Arima Ederra, courtesy Samone Kadine.

This week’s edition has nostalgic vibes and feelings from Arima Ederra and Mereba, Sebastian Schub, Fusilier and Anna Shoemaker, while Chlothegod delivers quirky energy and Kyra Machida has us moving with a pop banger.

Arima Ederra with Mereba, “Oh God” — The soulful harmonizing between L.A.-based Ederra and Alabama-born Mareba (Marian Azeb Mereba) in the intro makes everything feel like it will be OK. Produced by Teo Halm (SZA and Rosalia), “Oh God” is a peaceful open prayer with loose guitar strumming and soothing lyrics that ease you into unwinding and breathing deeply. “Oh God, it takes everything inside me not to question you,” Ederra sings. This is her first new music following 2022’s An Orange Colored Day.

***

Chlothegod, “My GF H8s Me” — Between the clever and quirky lyrics and her mellow voice, chlothegod’s “My GF H8s Me” is the definition of when you let your intrusive thoughts win and share them out loud. From her forthcoming sophomore EP, I Feel Different Everyday, the song is fun and weird. The percussion, sitting in the front of the mix, makes it even better.

Fusilier, “Birds” — There are so many parts of “Birds” that make the song magical; the mysterious brooding tones in the arrangement and the earnest lyrics among them. But it’s Atlantan singer-songwriter Blake Fusilier’s sharp falsetto in the chorus that makes it a solid 10. Accompanied by striking visuals, “Birds” gives a sonic perspective of feeling cluttered and caged. Fun fact: Fusilier started his music journey with the violin before moving to bass, and on this song, his attention to detail in the instrumentation really flies out.

***

Kyra Machida, “Shibuya” — It opens with a fast electronic beat and sexy lyrics, but right as I’m about to start dancing, Kyra Machida switches the tempo and turns the banger into an alluring slow jam while before shooting up the tempo again on the chorus. The pacing captures the unpredictability of relationships. “I push you away/ Just to hold you tighter,” the Japanese-born artist sings. “Shibuya” fuses pop and soul and sexy energy.

Sebastian Schub, “I Can’t Believe We Never Went Out Dancing” — “I saw two lovers kiss on the bus last night/ They looked just like us,” German-born, London-based Sebastian Schub singings in his rich baritone voice over slowly delivered reverb-laden piano chords. The song is an ode that mourns past relationships reflecting on missed moments. From the powerful vocals to the somber lyrics, Schub knows how to bring me to tears. His old-school approach to balladry makes his strong vocals pop in an era of overproduction.

***

Anna Shoemaker, “Iced Coffee”  — Anna Shoemaker’s second Tuesday Tracks appearance carries this nostalgic energy. “I’m drinking in my new truck/ Away from all your shit I said I’m done with/ I’m lying, I love you more than money,” she sings. Girl, I can relate! With her laconic and hazy voice, “Iced Coffee” is a song about mind games; that moment when you know someone isn’t good for you but you don’t want to let go.

Dumi’s pick: “Oh God” by Arima Ederra and Mereba has me reflecting on life’s big questions. “Oh God, I’m a lover, not a fighter,” they harmonize. This song is Dumi-coded.

Follow Dumisani Mnisi at Instagram.com/nairobi_1899.